All eyes will be on the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Conference Center next Sunday, as the 16th edition of the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair, “Ibdaa 2026,” kicks off. This prominent national event, organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba,” in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents the pinnacle of scientific competition among students in the Kingdom, and will run until January 29.
Saudi Arabia's elite minds facing challenges
This year's exhibition features fierce competition among 200 high-quality scientific projects, carefully selected from over 34,000 submissions in the initial stages. The qualified students are competing in 22 specialized scientific fields, including medicine, engineering, energy, artificial intelligence, and the environment, reflecting the diverse research interests of the rising generation and their ability to address future needs.
Gateway to Globalization
The ambitions of “Ibdaa 2026” extend beyond local recognition; the exhibition serves as a crucial platform for selecting the Saudi national science and engineering team. Sixty-eight winners will qualify to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at major international events, most notably the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, as well as ITEX in Malaysia and TAISF in Taiwan. These participations build upon a remarkable track record of Saudi achievements in recent years, which have garnered numerous international awards.
Strategic context and national vision
This event is of exceptional importance as it directly contributes to the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program. The exhibition is not merely an annual competition, but rather an integrated system aimed at transforming Saudi society into a productive, knowledge-based society. Previous editions have proven the value of this investment, as Saudi students have become fierce competitors to their counterparts from developed countries in the fields of research and innovation, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position on the global innovation map.
Qualifying journey and record numbers
The journey to this stage involved several meticulous steps, beginning with a record-breaking participation of over 357,000 students – a strong indicator of the growing scientific interest in the Kingdom's schools. The projects underwent several rounds of selection and evaluation, starting with school exhibitions, then progressing to exhibitions in the 16 educational districts, and culminating in central exhibitions held in four major cities. At these central exhibitions, the projects were judged both electronically and in person by a select group of academics and experts to ensure the highest standards of scientific quality.
Accompanying activities to enrich knowledge
In addition to the competitions, the exhibition offers visitors a rich experience through specialized workshops, scientific and educational lectures, and informational pavilions showcasing the latest advancements in talent development programs. These accompanying events aim to promote a culture of scientific research and innovation within the community and inspire future generations to follow in the footsteps of their creative peers, thus ensuring a sustained flow of national talent capable of making a difference.
